Eomer rode into Rivendell early on the morning of Black Friday. The foggy-eyed sentry had admitted him with hardly a glance, unwilling to disturb his morning's rest for security. No matter, finding one's way to Rivendell was proof enough of good will.

No one that morning was awake. All stuffed with Thanksgiving dinner they had retired early and didn't intend to awake until late. One of the less sleepy elves took his horse, saying something about Eomer's unanticipated arrival and that it would take a few hours before his apartment would be ready. Eomer heard none of it, he was too enchanted by a large building across the courtyard.

That old building showed signs of constant expansion. Wings were added on each side and towers rising from the sides. Rather than ask its purpose he meandered into Records Hall.

Full of all the lore of all the peoples across all the holy worlds, the edifice was magnificent. A lounge sat off to the side where readers and writers could speak together of their findings, and anything else that came to mind. On all sides were halls and stairs leading to corridors and wings full of shelves and shelves of books and scrolls and volumes and everything else imaginable for reading.

Spotting one of the housekeepers for the building, Eomer asked, "Have you any idea how many treatises there are in here?"

The old elf smiled and said, "More than I've ever learned to count... I've probably never even seen most of them."

Eomer was struck by an idea. His meeting with the Council couldn't take place for a few hours anyway. He thought he might as well go ahead and make a count, it couldn't be that many.

Eighteen hours later he was done, his meeting with the Council forgotten. He had stopped to read some of the volumes, scarcely able to put away some of the great tales he found by the fireplace, and enamored with the musings in the Scholar's Hall.

His totals were immense, and he understood why the old elf couldn't comprehend the number. 100,000 posts on nearly 5000 topics! His own people of Rohan couldn't imagine that many words being written in all the world, much less in a single library. The lore of Rivendell was great indeed.

***

Congratulations to all Holy Worlders on reaching 100,000 posts. We should take this moment to thank our Council for all the 17,000 posts they have written for us, both in the discussion of writing and art and in the management of this fair forum. We can also thank Dieki for his workings behind the scenes that so often go unnoticed. Most of all, let us thank our very own Sir Emeth Mimetes, for his thousands of posts, his founding of the forum, and his tireless efforts to keep the place running.

I have a great challenge for us all. Let's find 1,000 ways to thank or praise the forums and its management or the blessings it (they) have brought us. Between the 378 users on this forum I am sure we can meet that number. Be as specific as you like! I am sure that as a forum body we have experienced at least 1,000 blessings from this forum. I'll start us off with a few:

1. This forum has blessed me by stretching my writing abilities

2. I've learned from peers general lessons of writing and art

3. I've learned how to avoid info-dumps

4. I've learned how to work with people

5. I've learned how to interact with others over cyber-space

6. I've been blessed with dozens of new friends spanning continents

7. I've grown in confidence as a person

8. I've grown in confidence as a writer

9. I've seen how we can honor Christ through writing

10. I've gained appreciation for others' different personalities

11. And how to appreciate differences in opinion on non-essential subjects

I thought of those in about a minute. Feel free to use the same things as what someone else said; as long as you've experienced that blessing yourself, list it! Just number your thanks, praises, blessings, etc. in sequence with the post before. I'll bet we can reach 10,000 before the year is out!

12. I've learned to be more outgoing, to tell new members hello.
13. Because of #12, I've been more open to meeting people IRL.
14. I've learned to synchronize time in other continents because of time zone differences.
15. I've learned to type : shock : or : roll : on other forums and then realize they don't work.
16. I've memorized all the smiley codes and use them... frequently.

More later.

17. I have some wonderful Beta Readers that came from this forum.

18. HW is a place of hospitality and refuge for many people, including myself.

19. My long rants are tolerated over here, which is a huge blessing to me.

20. I can discuss deep topics without people getting bent out of joint.

21. I've made some good friends.

22. I've been proven wrong in my theory that everybody I meet is scary.

23. I'm not considered an annoyance when on HW.

24. I've improved in my writing thanks to gentle critiquing.

25. I've felt welcomed and at home since I joined.

26. I have gotten the chance to see others's opinions on theological subjects, which help me form my own.

27. I've been able to help and watch how a forum is run and learn from my observations.

28. My skills have been stretched.

29. I have so many wonderful new relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

30. I know other people who are insane too.

31. My spelling and posting quality has improved by the examples set on here and the positive peer pressure.

32. My ability to discuss difficult/delicate subjects with both honesty and respect has increased significantly.

Thank you, guys. This place really feels like home. * teary smile *

What are we up to? Thirty-three...

33. I... am learning when to Debate and how to Discuss--and how not to get tangled in knots doing either.

34. I've met awesome Christians and come to esteem them greatly.

35. I've had opportunity to practice clarity and brevity in expressing thoughts.

36. HW has also given me a place to have my thoughts 'peer reveiwed'. This has been a tremendous blessing, because through both disagreement and discussion I've seen the knowledge gleaned through extensive reading fit together as my thoughts and ideas sharpen.

My thanks, Holy Worlders.

37. I've learned how to work techie stuff, read source code, use an ACP

38. I've read great stories and learned neat tricks

39. I can put "moderator" and "assistant administrator" on my resumes and applications

40. I have made friends all over the world whom I would never have met.

41. My writing has improved.

42. I have learned different aspects of how to write, and how best to apply them.

43. I have learned that God can use people to share new things with me.

44. I have had the privilege of viewing the talents of awesome people.

45. I have been inspired to explore my own talents.

46. I have been able to encourage my siblings in the Lord in their walk with Him.

47. I have had the power of prayer reinforced in my life.

48. I have had the honour of coming to know people who are intelligent and clever at what they do, and have had their input and wisdom into things I need help with.

49. I have made friends who cheer me up when I'm down and rejoice with me when I'm happy.
50. I've gained forum siblings.
51. I've learned that there are actually crazy fantasy writers - just like me!
52. I've expanded my writing genres.

53. I too have grown in my writing abilities.

54. I've made some amazing friends who encourage me so very much.

55. I've had the opportunity to meet some of those friends in real life.

56. I've learned reasons that I'm awesome that I never would have guessed.

57. I've found that people can put up with my insanity and wibbleyness.

58. I've had amazing opportunities for sharpening theological discussions.

59. I've found out I'm not as crazy as I once thought -- or else that there are plenty of other crazies, either of which is comforting.

60. I know there are always people who will pray when I need it.

61. My walk with the Lord has been strengthened.

62. I am encouraged to become more Christlike.

63. I'm kept accountable in multiple areas.

I love you, HolyWorlds!!! This place truly feels like a family.

64. I have learned things about my world I would never have known
65. I have learned to discuss touchy topics respectfully and gently
66. I have been stretched and encouraged in my growth
67. I have made some outstanding friends! I only wish I could meet you guys in person.

This just scratches the surface. Ya'll are truly a second family to me.

68. I have grown in my ability as a writer.

69. I have analyzed words that induce inflammatory speech more and more since being here. Directly because of this forum.

Hear hear. So very much.

70. I have gained a bigger family.

72. I've learned some really big words, because of all the writers with huge vocabularies.

73. I've had lots of questions about writing answered that would probably never have been answered otherwise.

74. I've acquired three awesome big brothers and a multitude of big sisters (which I can't even begin to count...)

75. I've gotten the chance to read lots and lots of amazing Fantasy stories.

76. I was encouraged enough to actually attempt publishing a book. ( )

77. I've gotten to make some really good friends --- and even meet a few of them.

78. I've made incredible friends on here, friends I never thought I'd have.

79. I've been finally able to rant about my ramblings.

80. I've been given authority, and taught how to use it.

81. HW made me grow up, and see the advantages to doing so.

82. I've learned invaluable social skills, interacting with people and tricky situations.

83. I've been allowed to start and lead projects to completion or failure, and have fun along the way.

84. I've been able to enjoy fantasy with people who love it as much as I do.

85. I have learned various ways to describe sword fighting techniques, as well as dueling-related actions.

86. I've made lots of great friends, even if I've never met any of you. You all are wonderful.

87. I found a wonderful, teaching, encouraging, safe place for writers when my only options for social interaction were on the internet. (Story I think a few of you know...)

88. I met Cat.
89. I met Village.
90. I met Vanya.
91. I met Milly.
92. I met Ani.
93. I met Mel.
94. I met Elly.
95. I met Val.
96. I met Dieki.
97. I met Cam.
98. I met Cap'n.
99. I met Jo.
100. I met Az.
I01. I met Za.
102. I met Phila.
103. I met Elan.
104. I met Sui.
105. I met Aspen.
106. I met Aemi.
107. I met Aris.
108. I met Daisy.
109. I met Willow.
110. I met Abby.
111. I met Arias.
112. I met Raven.
113. I met Neil.
114. I met Ines.
115. I met Lady E.
116. I met Jon.
117. I met Crush.
118. I met Maid.
119. I met Tilly.
120. I met Don.

And if I don't stop somewhere I will never get to post in another topic. I'll be back. I am not finished.

Wow Kat, you really boosted the count there!

Where were we? 121!

121. I have met so many encouraging people.

122. I have wrote more poetry.

123. I have joined twitter. @Kat

124. I have started writing fantasy.

123: I have written far more since I joined HW.

124. I have awesome friends around the world.

125. I would never have made it though NaNo if not for HW.

126. I found an awesome writers' website that's family friendly and for all ages.
127. My typing speed has improved. (After all of those word wars and chat posts!)
128. I met awesome friends who share my vision.


Wait. You got a lil' sis, too.

Oh, right.

129. I've gotten a few little sisters too.

*will be back to post more later*
Would someone please post a #71? That somehow got skipped...

71. I am able to make people says things.

130. I've made new friends.

131. I've been adopted by people. ( )

132. I have been getting my editing fix.

133. I have become an over-achiever.

134. I have found out about many resources where I can improve my writing.

135. It entertains me when I am bored.

136. It has helped me learn how to accept criticism.

137. I have gotten new ideas on making better books.

138. I have gotten great book recommendations.

139. I have gotten closer to God.

140. I have expanded my creativity.

Why do we have 140 blessings if Reiyen posted the number 71?

Because 71 was accidentally skipped, so Rei posted it to make things even.

First, five serious ones:
141. The good friends on Holy Worlds.
142. The thought-provoking serious posts.
143. The inspiration for writing.
144. The Christian discussion.
145. The help with the craft of writing.

And now five funny ones:
146. Cupcakes.
147. The penguins.
148. The dinosaur chef.
149. The discovery of Peter Pecan in the garbage.
150. FMI.

Yus!

151. Found a great christian based forum for fantasy (that in itself is HUGE)
152. Have received some great support and help in my writings and great advice.
153. Inspired every time I visit HW Thanks everyone

Actually, if you noticed, he was asking for someone to post a #71.

So a certain editor [Ed: It was me] went in there and did it for him.

Yes, yes, yes!

154) I have another community of awesome people.
155) Above awesome people are wonderful at making me smile.
156) Those awesome people are willing to pray and offer support whenever they can.

157. I learned the value of "quality before quantity." (Thanks, Jay!)

158. I was given the nickname "Philli," which I was able to use in my book.

159. I was able to start talking to Katie-dear more, so that we could develop a good friendship.

160. Airianna took me under her wing and let me be her Little Elf!

161. I got to help Hannah with the moderators on HWSF.

162. I got to help with the start-up of HWSF!

163. I got to help with the start-up of HWHF and be a little more helpful, since I had at least a vague idea of what we were doing.

164. I got to show my Frog Prince picture book to Jonathan, and now he's not letting me forget that it exists, so eventually it will get written.

165. I was inspired to try world-building more, which ended up with me designing an entire fantasy planet, Erde.

166. I received such wonderful support for the release of my first book!

167. I got a lot of help and advice as I went through the self-publishing process.

168. I learned modding skills and forum management - and figured out that I really, really liked it.

169. I get advanced looks at books that will eventually be published.

Amen!!!

170) I am tormented by other people's 'unfinished' stories
171) I get to talk about books I'm writing without driving everyone insane
172) I have resources for books to read

173. I've made so many new friends on here and I treasure them all!

174. The people on here are so amazing and encouraging!

175. The people of Holy Worlds have inspired me to keep on writing.

176. The prayer support given on here is such a blessing!

177. I have learnt so much in many aspects that I've never considered since I've been here!

178. I've made tons of awesome friends on here!

179. I've made a lot of older sister's on here!

180. I've made 1 or 2 younger sister's on here!

181. I've been really blessed by the community.

182. This is my online family!

183. I've had lots of fun being an editor on here!

184. I met Kaitlyn and tons of other sweet people!

185. My life has been really enriched by all you awesome people on here.

186. It's inspired me to live for the Lord.

187. I've been taught responsibility.

188. I've been taught maturity.

189. Y'all have made me come out of my little "shy" shell, and want to reach out to others.

190. You've kept me busy coloring!

191. I've learned to type fast. *cough*cough* (Hopefully. )

192. I'm typing this post. >_>

193. I'm running out of things to say!

194. On many dark days you all have cheered my up, and lifted my spirits.

195. You fill in my free time. XD

196. You all are a very Godly group of Christians who are %100 loved by Christ!

197. You all are very loving and warm.

198. You call me Loch Ness.

199. You call me Smiley Queen.

200. You call me Nessie.

Yay! we have made it to the 200 mark!!

201. My writing and my grammar has improved a lot since I came on Holy worlds.

202. I have met like minded Christians, who encourage and build up.

203. I have met some people who are really close friends now, who I never would have met without Holy Worlds!

204. Because of Holy Worlds I built my world, Tevo, and received lots of encouragement along the way.

205. I started writing fantasy, something I hadn't tried before.

206. During some of the times where I have been really low, especially recently, I have received so many kind words, scriptures and wisdom off several people; it really helped more than many of them would imagine.

207. I have been able to work with an amazing forum team, all of whom I have grown to respect and admire a lot.

208. My love for writing poetry has grown!

209. I have been able to read Airi's books, *Delighted grin* which I would never have been able to do without meeting her on Holy Worlds.

210. I was able to help with the setting up of HWHF, which I enjoyed immensely!

*Will post more later*

211. I get poked to finish my work.

212. When I am sad, the awesome peoples lift my spirits.

213. I get smacked when I criticize my-self.

Here are the awesome books I've read from HWers so far:

214. Red Rain by Aubrey Hansen
215. The Diegosian Mark by Airianna
216. The Diegosian Rider by Airianna
217. Firmament: Radialloy by Aniese of Learsi

Plus some other good things I've got to read:

218. BushMaid's poetry.
219. Other good poetry.
220. All sorts of good short stories.

221. The advice that everyone gives me.

222. The compliments on my world.

223. The constructive criticism.

224. The amazing drabbles.

225. God sent me friends that were willing to help me sort through my struggles with "darkly emotional" writing and assist me in conquering Peter's Angel.

226. I found lots of help and advice for sorting through the technical plot issues of Peter's Angel.

227. I have learned to get to know people better and reach out to knew members through chat and pms.

228. I have learned to write in other genres.

229. My spelling and grammar has improved, and that has carried over to my writing and emails as well.

230. I have written more poetry.

231. I have written more in general.

232. I have adopted so many awesome people as family!

233. I have gotten to ride on Captain Nemo's submarine.

234. I have tamed a beast with Donn Quixote.

235. have had a party in Captain Nemo's cubicle.

236. I have turned into a llama.

237. I have BEEN turned into a llama.

238. I have gotten " virtual magical presents".

239. I have gotten delicious virtual food.

240. I've enjoyed getting to learn how to work leadership roles

241. I've got to feel important and needed somewhere

242. I learned realistic problem solving abilities

This is an amazing idea!

243. I've become friends with dozens of amazingly crazy fantasy writers.

244. I've gotten feedback on my writing.

245. I've been able to use the feedback to improve my writing.

246. I've read some awesome stories.

247. I've been inspired to create characters that are deep and realistic.

248. I've been introduced to NaNoWriMo.

249. I got to explore a massive cavern underneath the chatroom.

250. I learned how much fun it is to hold conversations with my characters.

251. I can go on adventures.

252. I can visit my Army (Mist National Army/Navy).

253. I can be as naughty as I want, since I don't physically hurt anyone.

254. I get helpful feedback on stories and poems that I post.

255. I get to read other authors' good stories...

256. ...and their good poems...

257. ...and their good novel excerpts...

258. ...and their interesting world building posts.

255. I've gained wonderful friends.

256. I've restarted writing.

257. I've started a Sci-Fi project.

258. I've grown in my relationship with God.

259. I have had and know I will have encouraging, serious conversations with my friends (that has been a tremendous blessing).

260. I've learned more about my computer.

261. I have grown in my writing and know I will continue to do so.

262. I have had wonderful, silly conversations with my friends that uplift me.

263. I've been used by God.

264. I've been able to read and critique awesome stories (you know who each of you are )

I'll have to come back later and post more.

265. When I come online when I am sick, I feel better!

266. When there's a thunderstorm, people comfort me. (I have brontophobia= fear of thunder and lightning)

267. I have been blessed with the ability to minister, and be ministered to.

We must not let this die out, guys!



268. I have been able to be apart of the Prayer team, and realise how wonderful it is to have so many people praying for you, all over the world. People who really care. It's most special.

269. I get to read lots of wonderful poetry, written by awesome people.

270. Although I can't join in with the art work, seeing all the contest pictures is awesome and enjoyable.

271. I tried my first photomanip today. It was very basic but I enjoyed doing it, and intend to do more.

272. Writing PM's is very much like letter writing; I love my PM correspondence with several HWers.